THE 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
HEAVY-DUTY TRUCKS ARE READY
FOR ANY JOB OR COMPETITOR

Redesigned for 2011, the
Silverado heavy-duty lineup is broader than ever, with 10 2500HD
models and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models –
including a new 3500HD Crew Cab with a 6.5-foot cargo box. WT, LT
and LTZ trim levels are offered, and popular features such as the EZ
Lift tailgate and rearview camera system return. All models bring
greater capability, improved ride and handling and a greater feeling
of driver control. Highlights include:

Outside, the 2011
Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models are distinguished by a power
dome-style hood with a new, louvered design, as well as a new grille
and full-width chrome steel front bumper. A new lineup of 17-
(Dually), 18- and 20-inch wheel/tire combinations is featured, too
(20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels are available on 2500HD).

New frames

In the quest to
comprehensively redesign the Silverado HD chassis to improve
durability and ride, while also supporting increased capability,
engineers developed 18 all-new, fully boxed frame assemblies. The
frames have increased cross sections and use more high-strength
steel for greater durability, higher towing capacity and improved
ride and handling; the front sections are hydroformed.

The bending and beaming stiffness of the frames is increased 92
percent and 20 percent, respectively, with the fully boxed sections
enhancing torsional stiffness by a factor of five. Also, larger
engine and transmission mounts, coupled with a 125-percent-stiffer
front frame structure, provide greater vibration control, while
hydraulic body mounts are incorporated under the cab section on
extended and crew cab models for a more isolated feel inside.

Engineers addressed common customer and aftermarket uses when
designing the new frames, including adding access holes to the rear
frame section to enable easier installation of
fifth-wheel/gooseneck-style hitches. Also, the frame-mounted hitch
for conventional trailering is stronger, with a box-tube design. It
supports up to 17,000 pounds (7,727 kg).

Stronger independent front
suspension

A completely redesigned
independent front suspension system offers up to a 25-percent
greater front axle weight rating – up to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg)
front gross axle weight rating (FGAWR) – enabling a snow plow to be
used on all 4WD cab configurations with the available snow plow prep
package, while also supporting improved ride and handling
characteristics.

Silverado’s signature short-long arm/torsion bar front suspension
design is retained, but now features new, forged steel upper control
arms that are stronger and lighter than their predecessors. The new
lower control arms are made of precision-machined cast iron to
handle the greater loads. Five different torsion bar rates support
five different front gross axle weight ratings (a single torsion bar
was previously used for all models). This helps stabilize the range
of trim heights of various models under load, while enhancing
appearance, handling, durability, tire wear and alignment. The trim
height is adjusted on each bar via a single bolt, easily allowing
the height to be changed to account for the weight of a snow plow or
other accessories.

The Silverado HD front suspension now uses a pair of urethane jounce
bumpers on each side, instead of one, for improved load management;
and there’s a new upper shock mount attachment design that’s
positively connected to the frame with two fasteners. This design
eliminates squeaks and clunks, while supporting higher load
capability and increased durability.

Commensurate with the
Silverado HD’s greater strength and capability is a rear suspension
designed to support greater loads. It features a new, larger
asymmetrical leaf-spring design that also contributes to improved
ride and handling characteristics.

Supporting the new 2011 Silverado HD trucks’ greater capabilities is
a new version of the workhorse Duramax 6.6L diesel and Allison 1000
six-speed automatic transmission powertrain combination. The Duramax
6.6L is more powerful and durable and the Allison 1000 is stronger
and helps enable new features, including the exhaust brake system.

With nearly 1.3 million
Duramax 6.6L engines produced since 2000, they have proven
exceptionally durable and dependable. The internal elements that
helped build its reputation are enhanced for 2011, including:

The enhanced Allison
1000 for 2011 is strengthened to handle the higher torque capability
of the new 6.6L Duramax engine, while also helping improve fuel
economy and providing seamless assistance with a new exhaust brake
system. Greater efficiency is delivered through reduced “spin loss”
– meaning, the transmission channels more of the engine’s power to
the axles, allowing it to do more with less fuel.

The Allison 1000 also features driver shift control with tap up/tap
down shifting and a patented elevated idle mode cab warm-up feature.
Also, the tow/haul mode reduces shift cycling for better control and
improved cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads. The six-speed
configuration retains its two overdrive gears for optimal
efficiency.

Performance with the Duramax/Allison combination is also improved
over previous models, with preliminary testing showing 0-60 mph
times of less than 9 seconds and quarter-mile times of less than 16
seconds in 2500HD models. That’s about 0.3-second and 0.5-second
quicker, respectively, than previous models.

Strengthened Vortec 6.0L/Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed powertrain

The venerable Vortec 6.0L gas V-8 with variable valve timing returns
to the new heavy-duty trucks, along with a strengthened version of
the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission. This
combination delivers excellent performance and efficiency, with a
greater emphasis on low-rpm power.

The 6L90 is enhanced for greater strength, smoothness and quietness
via:

A new feature on Duramax-equipped
models is an exhaust brake system. This driver-selectable feature
uses the turbine control of the variable geometry turbocharger and
the compression of the engine to generate backpressure, slowing the
vehicle without applying the brakes. It is a smart system integrated
with the cruise control feature and varies the braking to account
for the grade and vehicle load.

The exhaust brake system allows for virtually effortless driving and
towing, with seamless and quiet operation. It also helps prolong
brake life and prevents overheating the brakes on long, downhill
grades.

Large brakes

Brake feel and
performance are greatly improved with the 2011 Silverado HD trucks.
The standard four-wheel disc system is completely revamped to
deliver smoother, more immediate and confident-feeling performance.
Four-wheel, four-channel ABS is standard on all single-rear-wheel
models and a three-channel system is standard on dual-rear-wheel
models.

The front and rear rotors are larger in diameter – 14 inches (355
mm) – and width on all models to support their increased capacity,
weight ratings and trailering ratings, while the calipers are
stiffer and stronger. The hydroboost brake booster calibration is
revised for reduced pedal effort and the travel of the pedal is also
revised for a more comfortable, confident feel.

Larger wheel hub and bearing assemblies complement the new brake
system and the rear rotors attach to the wheel hubs for easier
servicing.

Refined and capable ride, handling
and steering

Longer wheelbases –
ranging from 133.6 inches (3,395 mm) to 167.7 inches (4,259 mm) –
and wider front/rear tracks enhance the ride and handling
characteristics of the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD, giving them a
greater feeling of smoothness and control.

The longer wheelbases and wider tracks are complemented by the new,
stiffer frames, new jounce bumpers, shock mounts and hydraulic body
mounts to provide a solid, smooth and isolated driving experience.
New shocks were specially valved to support the new trucks’ weight
ratings, while balancing excellent ride characteristics.

Also enhancing the driving experience is a revised steering system
designed to support the trucks’ greater front gross axle weight
rating. It includes a new, larger steering gear, power steering
pumps and linkages. The pumps (different parts for gas and diesel
models) deliver greater pressure for reduced steering effort in
low-speed and parking maneuvers; they are also quieter. On some
models, the new linkages feature a compliant joint added at the
pitman attachment to enhance handling.

Comprehensive safety and functional technology

The 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models have a comprehensive
roster of safety features and functional technologies that include:

* StabiliTrak
electronic stability control system on all single-rear-wheel
models
* Larger, four-wheel disc brakes with standard four-wheel ABS
* A new high-strength steel tubular frame cross member that
enhances safety and improves crashworthiness
* Seat pelvic/thorax and head curtain side air bags available on
2500HD
* Available rear backup camera
* Segment-exclusive OnStar 9.0
* Trailer sway control system on all single-rear-wheel models
* Hill start assist (standard on single-rear-wheel models).

Trailer sway control
system provides an added measure of confidence when towing a
trailer. The system senses conditions of trailer sway and intervenes
with braking and/or reduced engine power to bring the trailer under
control and keep it on its intended path. The system will use
electric trailer brakes when a trailer is plugged into the standard
wiring harness of the truck and its performance requires no input
from the driver.

The hill start assist system is automatically engaged when sensors
detect the vehicle is on grade of about 5 percent or greater. It
holds the brakes for about 1.5 seconds or until the gas pedal is
pressed, preventing rollback – it is particularly effective when
towing, giving the driver time to switch from the brake pedal to the
gas pedal without rolling.

Silverado HDs on the road

From the available
remote starting feature to the unimpeded access offered by the
170-degree-opening rear access doors on extended cab models, the
2011 Silverado HD models live bigger, drive better and work harder.
The interiors are refined, with improved quietness and attention to
detail, but designed for working. Numerous storage compartments
provide covered access for everything from work gloves to laptops.

Indeed, for many owners the Silverado HDs are mobile workspaces,
offering mobile WiFi, USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, XM
Satellite Radio and a navigation system. Multiple charge points
enable multiple electronic devices to operate simultaneously; and
when equipped with the available navigation system, XM NavTraffic
offers real-time updates of traffic conditions (in selected areas)
that can help plan the most effective route to the job site.

Cold-weather customers will appreciate the Duramax 6.6L’s quick,
reliable start-up, with a starting time on par with gas engines. Its
glow plug cycle time is the segment’s best in all temperatures,
taking no more than 3 seconds in temperatures as low as -20 F (-29
C). There’s also a cab heat-up feature that allows the engine to
idle faster in low temperatures to warm up the interior faster.

Silverado HDs take you farther without stopping. A new, 36-gallon
(136 L) fuel tank is standard on all models and, with the improved
fuel efficiency of the powertrains, enables a cruising range of
about 680 miles (1,090 km) with the Duramax 6.6L. That’s the
equivalent of a trip from Houston to Oklahoma City and back to
Dallas on a single tank.

Finally, all 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD trucks work under the
best warranty coverage in America – five-year/100,000-mile limited
powertrain warranty, plus roadside assistance, courtesy
transportation and other features that provide assurance that
Chevrolet backs its trucks confidently.